Commentary

Pennsylvania County Considers Jail Privatization

Beaver County located just outside of Pittsburg is considering a proposal to privatize its jail. A bid from a private provider would save the County $1.6 million a year – in response the public employee guards are offering up contract concessions up to $400,000 a year to keep their job. No decision has been made but on its face it seems as if privatization is the better deal – especially in the long run once pension and retirement costs are calculated. See Reason’s corrections privatization research here.